French word

développement

Pronunciation

IPA/devəlɔpəmɑ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine noungrowth

Example

Le développement de l'enfant suit un rythme normal.

The child's growth is proceeding at a normal rate.

Illustration for développement (growth)

More examples

Le développement économique a créé des emplois.

Economic development created jobs.

Core concept

A seedling gradually unfolding into greater size, ability, and complexity over time.

Common phrases

  • développement économique

    economic development

  • développement durable

    sustainable development

  • développement personnel

    personal development

Similar words

croissance: An increase in bodily size or economic scale.
évolution: A gradual process of change through successive stages.

Definition in French

Processus par lequel quelque chose ou quelqu'un progresse en taille, en capacité ou en complexité au fil du temps.

Word origin

Développement is formed from développer with -ment; développer comes from Old French desveloper, meaning to unwrap or unfold, which led to the modern sense of gradual growth.

Usage tips

  • In physical-growth contexts, croissance often names growth itself, while développement is broader and more abstract.

Other meanings

  • developmentnoun
  • progressnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word